The Royals racked up 17 hits and battered the struggling Justin Verlander for seven runs in six innings en route to their eighth consecutive victory, though they had to withstand a six-run ninth by the Tigers that was highlighted by J.D. Martinez's grand slam.

Billy Butler added a three-run double and Alex Gordon and Lorenzo Cain each finished 3-for-5 with an RBI for Kansas City, which now sits just a half-game back of Detroit for first place in the AL Central.

Jason Vargas (7-2) did his part on the mound as well, holding the Tigers to two runs on seven hits through seven effective innings.

Verlander (6-7), on the other hand, was tagged for 12 hits to fall to 1-5 over his last six outings. The former AL Cy Young winner has now allowed five or more runs in six of his past seven assignments.

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